An object is dropped from rest. Which of the five following graphs correctly represents its motion? The positive direction is taken to be downward.
A) I
B) II
C) III
D) IV
E) V

Question

An object is dropped from rest. Which of the five following graphs correctly represents its motion? The positive direction is taken to be downward. 
A) I 
B) II 
C) III 
D) IV 
E) V

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The correct graph should be a straight line with a positive slope, representing constant acceleration due to gravity. Graph II fits this description, as the object's velocity increases linearly with time, corresponding to a constant downwards acceleration. The other graphs show either no motion (Graph I), constant velocity (Graph III), deceleration (Graph IV), or a parabolic curve (Graph V), none of which are consistent with the motion of an object in freefall.

An Object Is Dropped from Rest